Skyscanner says bookings are rocketing

Monday, 23 Feb, 2021 0

Fares comparison site Skyscanner says flight bookings rocketed 69% immediately after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced international travel might resume after 17 May.

It revealed the top 10 booked destinations were:

Spain
Pakistan
United States
Greece
India
Turkey
Italy
UK
Portugal
Thailand

From this list the biggest movers (% increase from the previous day) were:

UK to Portugal + 176%
UK to Spain + 170%
UK to Italy +122%
UK to Turkey + 113%
UK to Greece + 96%

VP of Flights Hugh Aikten said the surge showed travellers are ‘very well tuned into updates about restrictions’.

He added: "The importance of clear, straightforward and timely information remains paramount to restoring both traveller and industry confidence, especially relating to quarantines and pre-departure testing.

"Ultimately, a combination of factors will be required to unlock pent-up demand including greater global alignment on common, international standards to enable people to plan for a well-deserved holiday."

Linsey McNeill

Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk